In 2021, North Korea refused to send a team to the Tokyo Games, citing pandemic concerns. As a result, the International Olympic Committee suspended the country for the 2022 Games in Beijing.

In 1948, North Korea adopted a new, official name under former President Kim II Sung to distinguish itself from South Korea, which is formally known as the Republic of Korea, or KOR, at the Olympics.

In 1948, North Korea adopted a new, official name under former President Kim II Sung to distinguish itself from South Korea, which is formally known as the Republic of Korea, or KOR, at the Olympics.